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PHILADELPHIA — Michael Carter-Williams spoke for less than 30 seconds Monday before running to the court to warm up for the Philadelphia 76ers' game against the Golden State Warriors. His intense work ethic

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Carter-Williams spoke for less than 30 seconds Monday before running to the court to warm up for the Philadelphia 76ers' game against the Golden State Warriors.

His intense work ethic and focus are not only paying off — he's hit the jackpot.

The Sixers rookie point guard was named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week only hours earlier, becoming just the second player in league history to begin his career with the honor, joining Shaquille O'Neal in 1992.

"It means a lot. I'm proud about it, happy about it, my family is happy about it," Carter-Williams said. "I'm thankful I was player of the week, but I've been saying it after each and every game — my focus is on my next game and my teammates. I'm happy about it, it's a great achievement in my career, but it's not my focus right now."

Carter-Williams (6-6, 185) was averaging 20.7 points, 9.0 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 steals per game entering Monday's contest against the Warriors. Philadelphia selected the 22-year-old with the 11th overall draft pick this summer, following his sophomore season at Syracuse, and was projected by most NBA analysts to rank among the worst teams in the league this season. But the Sixers have come from behind to win their first three games against the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls.

First-year Sixers coach Brett Brown said he never imagined Carter-Williams would launch his career in this manner, but said the rookie is keeping the statistics and accolades in perspective.

"He gets it," Brown said. "I feel like he's grounded. We help him be grounded. He helps himself be grounded. It is early days and grossly exaggerated at this very early stage, but there's no denying he's a talent, and I'm glad he's mine."

Carter-Williams flirted with a quadruple-double while making franchise and league history in his NBA debut against Miami on Oct. 30, when he racked up 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and nine steals in a stunning 114-110 victory against the two-time defending champions.

Michael Carter Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers wins USA TODAY Sports' rookie of the year award, drawing eight of 10 first-place votes for 42 points after holding first place most of the season. Here are his runners-up. (Photo: Howard Smith, USA TODAY Sports)

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The nine steals tied a franchise record and was the most by any player in history in his first contest. The 12 assists were the second-most by an NBA player in his debut.

He was also just the third player in league history to record those overall numbers in a single game, and the first to have at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in his NBA debut since LeBron James in 2003.

The 22 points were the most for a Sixer in his debut since Allen Iverson scored 30 in 1996.

And Carter-Williams was the first Sixer to start his career with a double-double since Maurice Cheeks in 1978.

The rookie contributed 14 points, five assists and three rebounds in a 109-102 victory at Washington on Friday and posted his second career double-double with 26 points and 10 assists in a 107-104 victory against Chicago on Saturday.

"I liked him coming out of college because of his size, his ability to make plays," said Warriors coach Mark Jackson, the 1988 NBA Rookie of the Year, "and confidence is a monster in this league. Once you get it, there's no stopping it. He's certainly off to an outstanding start to a long, successful career."

Jason Wolf covers the NBA for The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., a Gannett affiliate.